Studio: The Catwalk Contour

During our make-up studio session this week, we attempted the 'Catwalk Contour'.  There are various different ways to contour, contouring for the catwalk will vary on what kind of look the designer is going for.  In general, make-up looks are heavier in the winter, therefore the contour will be too.  However, during spring/summer designers tend to go for a more glowy/beachy look, so the contour tends to be a bit more natural with more emphasis on highlighting.

Image Credit: Contouring Highlighting Hacks, Tips, Tricks, Pictures; How To | Teen.com. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.teen.com/2014/11/13/style/beauty-news-trends-ideas-celebrity-inspiration/contouring-highlighting-hacks-tips-tricks-tutorial-pictures/. [Accessed 31 January 2015].

Contouring can be done with various different products, both cream and powder.  You can use different shades of foundation and concealer to contour and highlight or you can complete this process with powders after the foundation has been applied.  If using cream products, always remember to contour using a colour two shades lighter than your skin tone and use a colour two shades lighter to highlight. 

Equipment Needed:

Make-up brushes

Primer

Foundation

Derma Palette/ Concealers

Translucent Powder

Bronzer

Blusher

Highlighter

1. Apply your foundation as normal, making sure that it matches your skin tone.  This will provide a basic coverage and give you a base to apply other products. 
2. If you're using cream products,  select a shade of foundation or concealer that’s a shade or two lighter than your skin.  Taking a tool of your choice, a brush or a beauty sponge work well, apply the lighter foundation to the centre of the forehead and down the bridge of the nose and blend out well.  After this, apply underneath the eyes in a triangular shape.  Finally, you can add a small circle of the lighter colour onto the chin.
3. Now, using a foundation or concealer a shade or two darker than your skin tone,  dip your brush in your contouring colour. Apply to the outer edges of your chin and apply in a thin line between the highlighted areas of your nose if you wish.  When contouring the cheeks, deposit most of the product by the ear and blend downwards to stop a muddy look occurring. 
4. A powder highlighter will allow you to accentuate any features that the light would naturally hit.  You can highlight the cheekbones, bridge of the nose, under the brows and the cupids bow.  By highlighting, your face seems brighter, healthier and fuller.

Slightly Heavier Contour

Lightly Contoured

Highlighted Skin